Bradbury started well, peaking at just over 50mph, but was unable to hold this pace for the whole race. He posted a good time of 53.67 seconds.

Milward, although new to rollers, looked comfortable. He started conservatively at 48mph and was able to keep this impressive pace through to the end of the race to post the team’s best time of 47.35 seconds.

Bond was next and topped 55mph early on, but lactic acid filled his legs and his speed tailed off. His time was 48.22 seconds.

Defending champion Woodford was so keen to get going that he pulled his foot from the pedal, causing him several vital seconds.

But by half distance he had caught his competitor to set a time of 57.28 seconds.

Perry was fortunate to have seen how his team-mates performed before taking part.

He looked calm at the start and peaked at 52mph before the pain set in, recording a decent time of 51.63.

So Milward was crowned the Reading CC roller race champion.

It appears newcomers have a tendency to do well in this event with three such wins in the last four years.

Didcot Phoenix posted the top two fastest times, the overall winner being Nick Druce with 41.68 seconds.

— Reading’s time-triallists are getting their season into gear.

Lucinda Seymour travelled North for a 10-mile event near Manchester and she finished fastest lady with 28:04.

She said: “The course had a couple of dips and drags, but the strength of the wind meant that the course record was definitely safe.”

Nick English opened his season in low-key style by taking part in a Newbury RC club event.

“I did a somewhat slow 36.09 for sixth place, the winner taking 31.31. It was very windy, but nice to get a race in to start the season,” he said.

— Sunday saw a large turn-out for the Reading CC Reliability Race.

Riders had to complete an 87km course through country lanes in a given time, with a shorter 57k option also being available.

Most riders treat the Reliability as an early-season workout. The weather was kind enough not to interfere with this aim, being windy but dry and mild.

Clubrun secretary Steve Thurgood said: “There were some excellent results and a few things to mull over and improve, but overall well done to all.

Club newcomer Andrea Mica took exactly as long as predicted, but it was a close run thing with four riders within a minute either way.

Sixty-two riders turned out with only three failing to finish. The fastest time for the distance was 2 hours 37 minutes.

Thurgood added: “As usual, some 15 or so riders were a little conservative in their fitness assessment and blew their targets to pieces – 11 averaged over 20mph.

“The target times need to be quicker next year, even for what is a hillier and longer course than before.”

Paul Elcock, who went with the fastest group, said: “My legs were definitely given a working over. To get under 2:30 on that course would be very taxing and involve great teamwork from the off.”

— The club’s social, medium and fast groups will depart from Market Place at 9am on Sunday. The destination is Farnham Royal Garden Centre.